The views of Professor Brighouse come as a welcome change from the blunderbuss approach to so-called “faith schools” adopted by some secular humanists.

The Church of England has been both a pioneer and a consistent provider of schools that are essentially inclusive in their intakes - and that means inclusive in relation to families of all faiths and none. Where oversubscription is a problem, choices must be made and religious affiliation can be taken into account. But it’s worth remembering that people of faith pay taxes too! Overall, our policy remains that of encouraging precisely the inclusive and holistic approach to the education and nurture of children which Professor Brighouse recommends.

The Rt Rev Dr John Saxbee, Bishop of Lincoln and chair, Church of England Board of Education.